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FM 100 was one of many pirates that defied the new broadcasting legislation in 1989. Based in Monaghan town, it was owned by Frank McCarthy (RIP) and programmed by Lawrence John. Using the studios and transmitter of former pirate KITS that closed at the end of 1988, FM 100 was first noted testing by Anoraks UK Weekly Report on Saturday 15th July 1989. An AM frequency of 1116 kHz was added on 19th July and regular live shows were expected within days. As stated by Weekly Report: ‘For the first time since the end of 1988, Radio Star Country (981) has a neighbour, although most certainly not competition, due to their 100% country and Irish format’.
FM 100 launched on 26th July 1989, with the first live show presented by John Friday (Lawrence John), formerly of Monaghan super-pirate KISS FM and various other stations. The station’s aim was to secure a music licence for Northern Ireland to fill the gap left by the demise of the pirates south of the border. Weekly Report of 29th July commented: ‘The latest area to show dissatisfaction with the current radio situation is the border area of Ireland. A province-wide drive to try to persuade the Home Secretary to grant a licence for an all music station for Northern Ireland is already underway. The “Campaign for Music Radio in Ulster” is being spearheaded by the new Monaghan-based station “FM 100” and expected to be assisted by all the other border and NI pirate operators. Apparently a survey has shown that 83% of the 15-39 age group want a music station, whilst the IBA and Government continue to ignore their requests for this type of radio for which a demand clearly exists. Marches and rallies are expected to be organised in the province to support the cause’.
American-produced messages to support the campaign were due to be aired on FM 100 and other border pirates but these failed to materialise because, according to Weekly Report, the tapes went missing while crossing the Atlantic. Many of the presenters were originally from KITS and former Louth pirate Zee 103, with names other than John Friday including Graham Marks, Ollie Clarke, Noel McStay, Paul Thomas, Gary Peach, Terri Hooley, the Gooseman and Roy McKee. Adverts were heard as well as promos for the ‘music radio for Ulster’ campaign and by August there was an increase in power and a relay into Newry by Magic 103 on 103.25. A big night out was planned in a Belfast nightclub in September where petitions would be available, along with t-shirts and car stickers.
FM 100 lasted for a few months but failed to get much traction with the local audience. It was also interfering with Century Radio’s Dublin FM transmitter, although this was not aimed at the border region. Eventually FM 100 changed to 102 FM and re-named as KIKX Kicks 102 in November but lasted only a few more weeks before leaving the airwaves.
This recording is of Peter Wright (ex KITS) from 1235-1409 on Thursday 19th October 1989, recorded from 102 FM. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection. Thanks to Rodney Neill for background information and the stickers.